Is This Reflux?

[peta1410]

My baby is 5 weeks old and he vomits after every feed. I keep him upright for half an hour afterwards but as soon as I move him to put him in his bed it just rolls out of him. It doesn't seem to distress him too much although sometimes he'll be screaming, arching his back and throwing himself around and then he'll burp and sometimes vomit and then he's all good again. And the vomiting is not always just after feeds, it can happen at intervals all the way up to his next feed. If there's no milk left in his stomach he'll bring up bile. I haven't seen the dr about him because he really doesn't seem to be in that much distress about it. Is this reflux, or could it maybe be colic or just plain old wind? He was 5 weeks early and he still has immature stomach and the health nurse said it might resolve itself.
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[RISA]

Hi,
Congratulations on the birth of your little boy :) He is only young, especially given his early arrival!! wow

I would have to say that given your concerns, it would be best to talk to your doctor about what is going on. It seems to be bothering you, and that is enough reason to get their opinion- whether it is reflux, colic, or something else entirely. It would be worth knowing for sure, and at the very least, would give you peace of mind.

There are a lot of things it could be, but I'm not so sure about the bile that he brings up. I think it would be worth mentioning that to the doctor too.

Is his vomiting always effortless? When he is bringing up the bile, is he forcefully vomiting, or is it just coming out like it does at other times?

What is his weight like? Sometimes growth issues can be a factor when they vomit a lot, even if they don't have a lot of pain, so that may be another reason to speak with the doctor.

Another reason to determine what the problem might be, is so that you know what steps to take. Even though it does sound like reflux, there may be no point keeping him upright for that half an hour if it turns out to be something else entirely (for example it could also be something like a urinary tract infection, or it could be triggered by food sensitivities). On those grounds, it makes sense to try to work out what is going on before you try any management strategies.

It sounds like you are doing a great job with him, but please continue to listen to your instincts, which are making you question things. Even if he is likely to outgrow it, it can't hurt to make sure there isn't something else going on.

I hope that helps, and I hope you get the answers you need.

Glenda

[peta1410]

Thanks for your reply Glenda, it was helpful. On a few of the points you mentioned: his weight is pretty good, he weighs just over 3kg. Health Nurse said it could be better but was nothing to be concerned about cause he's consistently putting weight on. The vomiting always seems to be effortless though when it's got bile in it he will sometimes cough and gag a little. But it doesn't seem to worry him that much. I'll take your advice and see a dr about it just incase something needs to be done. Thanks again, Peta.